Criminal Defense for Sex Crime Accusations in Plano & Collin County

Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer in Plano: Understanding Your Charges & Your Rights

Sex crime accusations in Plano and Collin County demand immediate, expert legal defense. Charges carry severe criminal penalties—prison time, lifetime sex offender registration, loss of employment and professional licenses, and permanent damage to your reputation. Understanding your specific charges, your rights, and the Texas laws that apply is the first step toward protecting yourself.

Barbieri Law Firm is a Board Certified criminal defense firm based in Frisco serving Plano, McKinney, Allen, Celina, and throughout Collin County. We specialize in sex crimes defense, including aggravated sexual assault, child sex crimes, online sex crimes, family violence, and related offenses. Our all-women team brings specialized expertise and sensitivity to cases that demand both aggressive advocacy and careful attention to the facts.

Sex Crimes Defense in Plano and Collin County

Plano and Collin County prosecutors aggressively pursue sex crime charges. Understanding the specific allegations against you and the applicable Texas law is essential to building a credible defense. Sex crime accusations carry consequences far beyond criminal penalties: employment termination, professional licensing revocation, housing restrictions, custody loss, and lasting damage to your personal and professional reputation.

Board Certified criminal defense representation from the outset protects your rights during the investigation phase—before charges are formally filed. Early intervention can preserve evidence, challenge probable cause, and sometimes prevent prosecution or reduce charges. Waiting or relying on a general criminal defense attorney can cost you critical opportunities.

What Constitutes a Sex Crime in Texas

Texas defines sex crimes through several statutes, each carrying distinct elements and penalties. Sexual assault under Texas Penal Code § 22.011 involves non-consensual sexual contact or penetration. Aggravated sexual assault under § 22.021 adds factors like serious bodily injury, threats of death, a deadly weapon, or acting with another person.

Indecency with a child under § 21.11 covers sexual contact with or indecent exposure to a child younger than 18. Online solicitation of a minor under § 33.021 includes sexually explicit communication with a minor or soliciting a minor to meet for sexual purposes.

Consent, the age of the alleged victim, and your knowledge of the victim’s age are critical legal elements. Mischaracterization of consensual conduct, mistaken identity, false allegations, and misinterpretation of online communications are common defense scenarios. Each case turns on specific facts and evidence.

Common Sex Crime Charges in Plano

Plano and Collin County prosecutors bring a range of sex crime charges:

• Aggravated sexual assault: A first-degree felony carrying 5 to 99 years imprisonment or life. Mandatory minimum sentences apply when the victim is younger than 10 or when serious bodily injury, threats, or weapons are involved.
• Sexual assault: A second-degree felony (2 to 20 years) or first-degree felony (5 to 99 years or life) depending on the victim’s relationship to the defendant.
• Indecency with a child: A second-degree felony (2 to 20 years) for sexual contact, or third-degree felony (2 to 10 years) for exposure.
• Online sex crimes: Solicitation of a minor, possession or distribution of child sexual abuse material, and related offenses. These can be second- or third-degree felonies or first-degree felonies depending on the victim’s age and the defendant’s conduct.
• Family violence with sexual conduct: Assault family violence or aggravated assault within a domestic relationship, carrying enhanced penalties and mandatory registration.

Penalties for Sex Crimes in Texas

The consequences of a sex crime conviction in Texas are severe and long-lasting.

Sexual assault carries 2 to 20 years imprisonment under § 22.011. Aggravated sexual assault carries 5 to 99 years or life imprisonment under § 22.021, with mandatory minimum sentences of 25 years when the victim is younger than 10 or younger than 14 and the offense involves serious bodily injury, threats, a deadly weapon, or acting with another person.

Indecency with a child carries 2 to 20 years imprisonment (felony) or up to 180 days in jail (misdemeanor) under § 21.11. Online sex crimes carry federal and state penalties; federal charges can result in 15 to 30 years imprisonment.

Sex offender registration is mandatory for most convictions. Under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Articles 62.001 and 62.101, conviction for sexual assault or aggravated sexual assault requires lifetime registration. Registration affects housing, employment, mobility, and your ability to be near schools and parks. Collateral consequences also include loss of professional licenses, custody restrictions, civil liability, and permanent damage to employment prospects.

How Much Is a Sex Crime Attorney?

Sex crime defense costs vary based on charge severity, investigation complexity, and whether your case proceeds to trial. Board Certified criminal defense attorneys typically charge higher fees than general practitioners because specialization and courtroom experience command premium rates.

Many sex crime defense firms offer payment plans or flat-fee arrangements for specific services. The investment in experienced representation is substantial but essential—the alternative is risking years in prison, lifetime registration, and permanent collateral damage.

Barbieri Law Firm offers a free consultation to discuss your case, charges, and fee structure with no obligation. We can answer your questions and explain what you’re facing and what defense options exist.

Is Texas Tough on Sex Offenders?

Yes. Texas imposes mandatory sex offender registration, lifetime supervision for certain offenses, and enhanced penalties for repeat offenders. Plano and Collin County prosecutors prioritize sex crime cases; conviction rates are high when defendants lack experienced representation.

Texas allows civil commitment of sexually violent predators under the Sexually Violent Predator Act. Statutory rape laws carry strict liability—consent is not a defense if the alleged victim is below the age of consent. Early, aggressive defense—before charges are filed—can sometimes prevent prosecution or reduce charges. Waiting increases your risk.

Can a 20 Year Old Marry a 17 Year Old in Texas?

Under Texas Family Code § 2.101, a 20-year-old may marry a 17-year-old with parental consent. However, marriage does not automatically shield a 20-year-old from sexual assault charges if the relationship began before marriage or involved coercion. Age-of-consent defenses are narrow and fact-specific. If you face charges involving a minor, the existence or timing of a marriage is one factor among many in your defense strategy.

How Many Years Do Sex Offenders Get in Texas?

Sentences range from 2 years (sexual assault, minimum) to life imprisonment (aggravated sexual assault with certain aggravating factors). Mandatory minimum sentences apply to aggravated sexual assault (5 years) and repeat offenses. Judges have discretion within statutory ranges; prior criminal history, victim impact, and aggravating or mitigating factors influence sentencing.

Sex offender registration duration ranges from 10 years to lifetime, depending on the offense and your age at conviction. Plea negotiations, trial outcomes, and post-conviction relief can significantly alter the sentence imposed. Early intervention and skilled negotiation can make the difference between years in prison and a more manageable outcome.

Your Defense Rights in a Plano Sex Crime Case

You have the right to remain silent and to an attorney. Police interrogation tactics and coercive questioning can render statements inadmissible—do not speak to investigators without counsel present. Search and seizure of devices, communications, or physical evidence must comply with the Fourth Amendment; unlawful searches can result in evidence suppression and dismissal.

Witness credibility, forensic evidence reliability, and chain-of-custody procedures are subject to rigorous cross-examination. Early intervention by a Board Certified criminal defense attorney can preserve evidence, challenge probable cause, and negotiate with prosecutors before formal charges are filed.

Why Choose a Board Certified Criminal Defense Attorney

Board Certification by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization requires extensive criminal law experience, continuing education, and peer review. Board Certified attorneys have demonstrated mastery of criminal procedure, evidence, and trial strategy specific to sex crime cases.

Barbieri Law Firm is led by a Board Certified criminal law attorney with deep expertise in sex crimes defense across Collin County and North Texas. An all-women firm brings a distinct perspective and sensitivity to sex crime cases, particularly those involving family dynamics or vulnerable witnesses.

Barbieri Law Firm: Sex Crimes Defense in Plano and Collin County

Based in Frisco, Barbieri Law Firm serves Plano, McKinney, Allen, Celina, Southlake, and throughout Collin County. We specialize in sex crimes defense, aggravated sexual assault, child sex crimes, online sex crimes, and family violence.

Our Board Certified criminal law attorney has a proven track record defending professionals and individuals facing serious charges. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case, charges, and defense strategy—no obligation. We’re available to answer your questions and begin your defense immediately.

Call (972) 424-1902 or submit your case details online.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re facing sex crime charges in Plano or Collin County, you need a Board Certified criminal defense attorney on your side immediately. Barbieri Law Firm is ready to protect your rights, challenge the evidence against you, and fight for the best possible outcome. People in your situation can reach out to us—and we’re here to help.